Actually it can work quite well in your climate. It just needs a little water but not as much as other methods. Time is a bit of a factor for things to start breaking down but it does work. My compost pile is built like a hugel mound. We had some pumpkins grow quite well in it and I gave very little water.
the problem is heat. I cannot grow anything in containers or raised. maybe in a new place when I move there the things will be better as the nights there are much cooler than here.